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Category: Local News
Pullman reaches $150,000 settlement with former WSU player over police force lawsuit
Newly released records show Pullman city officials have agreed to a $150,000 settlement with former WSU football player Treshon Broughton to resolve his federal lawsuit alleging Pullman police officers used excessive force during his 2017 arrest.
With marijuana moratorium facing renewal, local cannabis regulations remain in flux
A hearing on the moratorium is set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the commission chambers at the county courthouse in Colfax. Commissioners plan to extend the moratorium while planning officials finalize language for new potential marijuana regulations. Read about local proposals, concerns and statewide context.
Site plans outline proposed 13-story Elevate student housing project in south Pullman
A proposed 13-story student housing complex along Johnson Avenue in south Pullman would rise to 104 feet and accommodate nearly 700 residents, according to plans submitted to the city. See the site plans and other application materials here.
Pullman City Hall cost increases, proposed downtown moratorium on Tuesday agenda
A $3 million increase to the cost of moving Pullman City Hall, public comment on a proposed downtown construction moratorium and the annual Pullman Police Department report make up a stacked city council agenda for Tuesday night.
Data shows Colfax pharmacy moved most painkillers, offers context for opioid lawsuit
Newly released data shows nearly 8 million prescription pain pills flowed through Whitman County pharmacies from 2006-2012, providing historic insight into the local evolution of the opioid epidemic. “At that time, there was probably not as much of an emphasis on addiction,” Tick Klock Drug owner Mark Johnson said. “Those numbers have definitely decreased significantly.”
County elections official says new voter system improving as primary approaches
County Auditor Sandy Jamison said her office has conducted mock testing of the registration system and received daily updates from the state. The relatively small Aug. 6 primary provides a chance to see how the system holds up before the General Election.
Colfax police chief reinstated with back pay, no word on potential appeal from city
The Colfax Civil Service Commission on Tuesday reinstated recently fired Police Chief Rick McNannay with back pay following a confrontational hearing in which the city’s attorney accused the commission chair of bias.
Pullman reviewing zoning on Airbnbs, short-term rentals amid widespread noncompliance
An analysis of local Airbnb listings shows at least 80 hosts booking accommodations in violation of Pullman zoning codes as city officials look to assess existing policies and the growing impact of short-term rentals. Find how your home is zoned with our interactive map
Civil Service board questions demotion of Colfax police chief amid appeal arguments
The board expressed frustration with the city’s attempt to reset the appeal process around demotion with Commissioner Rob Aucutt saying most of the work had focused on the matter of termination. They voted to continue on schedule for a trial on July 29 to evaluate whether the city had grounds for demotion. “There’s a lot of pieces in this puzzle,” Aucutt said.